World Brain Tumour Day: Raising Awareness on June 8
June 8 marks World Brain Tumour Day, an occasion dedicated to increasing awareness about brain tumors and their complexities. Dr. (Lt Col) Harmandeep Singh Brar, a senior consultant in Neurosurgery at Fortis Hospital, Mohali, sheds light on this serious condition, describing brain tumors as abnormal cell growths within the brain or its protective coverings, the meninges. Approximately 27.9% of brain tumors are malignant, categorized as either primary CNS tumors or secondary tumors originating from other cancers.
Dr. Brar identifies several risk factors for brain tumors, including a family history and exposure to high-dose radiation. While these tumors can arise at any age, they are more frequent in individuals during their 50s and 60s, with malignant tumors occurring more often in males and benign ones in females. Common symptoms include intense headaches, particularly in the morning, followed by nausea and vomiting, as well as neurological signs like seizures, paralysis, impaired speech, and vision problems.
Diagnosis primarily relies on clinical symptoms, neurological assessments, and imaging techniques such as CT and MRI scans. Treatment varies based on tumor type and may involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Although brain tumors cannot be prevented, Dr. Brar emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle, regular check-ups, and minimizing exposure to harmful environmental factors for early detection.
Furthermore, experts from Park Hospital, Mohali, highlight that more than 100 types of primary brain tumors exist, each presenting unique challenges in terms of treatment and outcomes. Advancements in medical technology have significantly expanded the capabilities of neurosurgeons, enabling safe intervention in previously considered high-risk areas.
As World Brain Tumour Day approaches, the focus remains on educating the public, promoting early detection, and fostering hopeful advancements in treatment.
Source
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
